The best star host camping near Portsmouth

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As a port city, Portsmouth is an urban and cultural campground—but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking for any nature. Located on the New Hampshire side of the Maine border, Portsmouth and its surroundings embrace the best of two states. History and architecture enthusiasts can peruse Portsmouth’s historic landmarks and the Strawberry Banke Museum. Meanwhile, lovers of the great outdoors will find just as much to do, both in town and beyond. Portsmouth overlooks the Piscataqua River, while lakes, state parks, and a wildlife refuge are nestled just outside the city.

99% (2.3K) 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth

1. Pitch Perfect at Canterbrook

99%
(662)
45mi from Portsmouth · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Formerly a competitive equestrian event facility, Pitch Perfect at Canterbrook is situated on a 300+ acre property consisting of agricultural farm land of all types. We have hills, streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows, and heavily wooded areas available for your exploration. Situated only an hour from Boston off of I 93, and less than 30 miles away from the famous Lake Winnipesaukee, we are perched on a picturesque dirt road in the beautiful country town of Canterbury New Hampshire. Popular attractions within a stone’s throw from us include; a gorgeous walk back in time at Canterbury’s Shaker Village, Golfing at Canterbury Woods, a unique pint of ale at Canterbury Aleworks, fabulous pick-your-own fruits and vegetables at Hackleboro Orchard, OR if you find yourself running low on supplies, Canterbury Country Store boasts having at least one of everything and is situated only one mile away from your campsite! If you need more city life amenities like grocery stores or restaurants, the capitol city of Concord to the south, and the town of Tilton to the north, are a breeze to access and are less than 20 minutes away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

2. Duncan Lake Island

99%
(34)
48mi from Portsmouth · 1 site · Tent
Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach). Access from East Side Drive is not permitted - launch from the boat launch or Cleveland Beach only, please.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night

3. Dancing Lawn

100%
(80)
29mi from Portsmouth · 1 site · Lodging
When we first purchased our property, we were made aware of a young fella needing a spot to set up his yurt. He lived with us for two years before moving along. We had enjoyed having him and his yurt on our land so when he left, It left a virtual and metaphorical hole. A couple years later we had an opportunity to purchase a yurt from an outdoor adventure company and so it began. We improved upon our tenant's idea by adding a proper outhouse and outdoor shower area. The space offered us a quiet haven during hectic times and now we are ready to share that opportunity. Our yurt sits on a quiet and private nook on our 7 acre property. We are right in between Kennebunk and Biddeford so there are quite a number of areas to explore if you make us your home base. It is a lovely 6 mile ride to Goose Rocks Beach or you can spend an afternoon walking around Dock's Square in Kennebunkport. Biddeford is a rapidly rebuilding mill town that has made several high profile food and travel publications for its great dining spots. If you are visiting to get away from the city, we are less than a mile away from the Eastern Trail which connects South Portland to Kittery, ME. Bring a bike or plan a quiet walk. We have a little fire pit so feel free to spend the day here and enjoy the birds. We hope to see you soon Kelly and Jason
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$95
 / night

4. Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

98%
(658)
47mi from Portsmouth · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm. The name wolf Swamp comes from the Pony Express Riders that carried Mail from The Canterbury Railroad Station to The Northfield Station. There were many Wolf Sitings reported on the Trail through the Swamp by The Riders, so it was named The Wolf Swamp. The Campsites are spread out over 52 Acres, lots of privacy, plenty of parking and the sites are huge. Lots of hiking in area, 5 different Swimming locations, we are in the Center of the Local Trail System. Local attractions are minutes away, Highland Mountain Bike Park, Canterbury Aleworks, Canterbury Woods Country Club, Shaker Village, Brookford Farm, Hackleboro Orchard and Fishing or kayaking the Merrimack River or enjoying the Beach at Sandogardy Pond with it's children's Playground. Local Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night

As a port city, Portsmouth is an urban and cultural campground—but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking for any nature. Located on the New Hampshire side of the Maine border, Portsmouth and its surroundings embrace the best of two states. History and architecture enthusiasts can peruse Portsmouth’s historic landmarks and the Strawberry Banke Museum. Meanwhile, lovers of the great outdoors will find just as much to do, both in town and beyond. Portsmouth overlooks the Piscataqua River, while lakes, state parks, and a wildlife refuge are nestled just outside the city.

99% (2.3K) 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth

1. Pitch Perfect at Canterbrook

99%
(662)
45mi from Portsmouth · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Formerly a competitive equestrian event facility, Pitch Perfect at Canterbrook is situated on a 300+ acre property consisting of agricultural farm land of all types. We have hills, streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows, and heavily wooded areas available for your exploration. Situated only an hour from Boston off of I 93, and less than 30 miles away from the famous Lake Winnipesaukee, we are perched on a picturesque dirt road in the beautiful country town of Canterbury New Hampshire. Popular attractions within a stone’s throw from us include; a gorgeous walk back in time at Canterbury’s Shaker Village, Golfing at Canterbury Woods, a unique pint of ale at Canterbury Aleworks, fabulous pick-your-own fruits and vegetables at Hackleboro Orchard, OR if you find yourself running low on supplies, Canterbury Country Store boasts having at least one of everything and is situated only one mile away from your campsite! If you need more city life amenities like grocery stores or restaurants, the capitol city of Concord to the south, and the town of Tilton to the north, are a breeze to access and are less than 20 minutes away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

2. Duncan Lake Island

99%
(34)
48mi from Portsmouth · 1 site · Tent
Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach). Access from East Side Drive is not permitted - launch from the boat launch or Cleveland Beach only, please.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night

3. Dancing Lawn

100%
(80)
29mi from Portsmouth · 1 site · Lodging
When we first purchased our property, we were made aware of a young fella needing a spot to set up his yurt. He lived with us for two years before moving along. We had enjoyed having him and his yurt on our land so when he left, It left a virtual and metaphorical hole. A couple years later we had an opportunity to purchase a yurt from an outdoor adventure company and so it began. We improved upon our tenant's idea by adding a proper outhouse and outdoor shower area. The space offered us a quiet haven during hectic times and now we are ready to share that opportunity. Our yurt sits on a quiet and private nook on our 7 acre property. We are right in between Kennebunk and Biddeford so there are quite a number of areas to explore if you make us your home base. It is a lovely 6 mile ride to Goose Rocks Beach or you can spend an afternoon walking around Dock's Square in Kennebunkport. Biddeford is a rapidly rebuilding mill town that has made several high profile food and travel publications for its great dining spots. If you are visiting to get away from the city, we are less than a mile away from the Eastern Trail which connects South Portland to Kittery, ME. Bring a bike or plan a quiet walk. We have a little fire pit so feel free to spend the day here and enjoy the birds. We hope to see you soon Kelly and Jason
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$95
 / night

4. Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

98%
(658)
47mi from Portsmouth · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm. The name wolf Swamp comes from the Pony Express Riders that carried Mail from The Canterbury Railroad Station to The Northfield Station. There were many Wolf Sitings reported on the Trail through the Swamp by The Riders, so it was named The Wolf Swamp. The Campsites are spread out over 52 Acres, lots of privacy, plenty of parking and the sites are huge. Lots of hiking in area, 5 different Swimming locations, we are in the Center of the Local Trail System. Local attractions are minutes away, Highland Mountain Bike Park, Canterbury Aleworks, Canterbury Woods Country Club, Shaker Village, Brookford Farm, Hackleboro Orchard and Fishing or kayaking the Merrimack River or enjoying the Beach at Sandogardy Pond with it's children's Playground. Local Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night

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The best star host camping near Portsmouth guide

Where to go

Along the coast

Drive alongside the Atlantic Ocean, where state parks sit right on the beach. History lovers will enjoy the military history of Odiorne Point State Park. Further down the coast, you can fish, swim, and picnic at Rye Harbor State Park or Jenness State Beach. After a dip in the Atlantic, check into your campsite. RV, cabin, and tent campsites dot the area, so you can easily find one, no matter where you stop. 

The Great Bay

Head further inland without sacrificing your water access. The Great Bay River runs just outside Portsmouth, while the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 1,000 acres. The trails are suitable for all kinds of hikers—not to mention unique birds and wildlife. See what you can see. Portsmouth, NH camping is as enjoyable around the river as it is the Atlantic Ocean. 

Pop into Maine

You’re as close to Maine as you are to New Hampshire, so don’t ignore the parks and beaches across the border. Hike at the Kittery Town Forest, or, if you’d rather a taste of local history, learn all about the military at Fort McClary State Historic Site. You can spend the night in the state of your choosing. But, before you head back to New Hampshire, savor a lobster roll at a campground with a picnic area. 

When to go

The Atlantic Ocean gets cold even in the summertime, so if you want a seaside getaway, come in the warm months. With your choice of beach, you can spend the day fishing, hiking, canoeing, and swimming. However, don’t overlook Portsmouth in the off-seasons. The city offers plenty of indoor activities, so you can easily plan a winter camping trip to explore museums and military sites.